Vocal Type: Mezzo soprano
Vocal Range: 3 octaves B2- D6 2 notes
Vocal Pluses: Meticulous control can be heard on every note, no matter how low or high, nor at what volume. Such control implies excellent support, breath control and understanding of her instrument- which may go some way to explain the longevity of her voice [2014 Medley].
Being an actress has given this Diva an emotiveness that is almost unparalleled amongst Divas. An example of this can be heard in the climax of Don't Rain On My Parade, where grunts, growls, swift changes in dynamics and tone are all employed to create a vocal that is as exhilarating as it is perfectly in sync with the narrative of the piece.
Her midrange is warm, and rounded with a beautiful easiness to it. There is no harshness or coarseness to be found in the voice. In fact, a slight haze can be heard at its edges, giving the voice a velvety texture [ Moon River]. Even when she chooses to add a more decisive ring to the notes, by switching to a more nasal placement, the voice still retains a pure tone- though it becomes more cutting. Both tones can be heard used in tandem during the intro of her Donna Summer duet Enough Is Enough, where she plays with tone and timbre masterfully.
The chest voice is where Streisand finds her voice at its most nasal. However, it's with this technique that the Diva has not only created her trademark sound, but also created a tone that rings with resonance, power and weight. It's this, and the Divas perfect mix, that allows high octave belted notes that do not suffer from any vocal deterioration (which usually comes from pulling up the chest voice) or loss of power (which comes from too heady a mix). It's another example of the control and understanding the Diva has over her versatile instrument [Tell Him].
The head voice is easily accessible and Streisand is able to navigate it nimbly and expertly. As with the rest of the voice, the control and support she offers her voice can be heard in the measured, full and resonant sound created. [Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf]
Vocal Negatives:The nasal ring is not to everyone's taste. However it has become less so as she has aged and her voice deepened.
